Standard7

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Standard 7 Teachers are able to plan different kinds of lessons.


 * **// The teacher organizes and plans systematic instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, pupils, the community, and curriculum goals. //**


 * Evidence 1:**

ePub Link: https://itunesu.itunes.apple.com/enroll/D96-P6N-WWB


 * Rationale 1:**

This year was my first time teaching 4th graders about the United States of America. My focus of the unit was to discover each state in the USA and learn what is unique about them. Students were required to locate information about each state using books, magazines, Thinglink resources, atlas/maps and other online resources. Each student had a state binder to record specific information on about each state. Along with acquiring information through a variety of resources, students were also exposed to many different instructional methods during this unit. Students would watch online videos or songs that would assist students in learning the states and capitals, interactive games were utilized to help students learn the location of the states on a map, and games were played in class to continue learning more about each state. Students would participate in games such as: States BINGO, USA rummy, States memory games, and other oral games. Student were also responsible for locating states on a blank paper map, matching state information through true/false, multiple choice or short answer options. Students also have the opportunity to share their own knowledge and experiences about states they had traveled to. Many students brought in photos, souvenirs, brochures and postcards to share about states they have visited. Some students even created presentations using Prezi, PowerPoint or Google Presentation tools to share their travels across the USA. I also arranged to have friends and family members in different states to send postcards to help my students learn more about the states. Using a variety of instructional approaches and activities, students with different learning needs could learn about the USA and have fun doing so.

As an educator, I found that developing a unit such as the USA unit; you want to make sure each student can be successful in the learning experiences. I loved hearing the students share information they found about other states or how they wanted to show other students or myself images they discovered picturing the beauty other states have to provide. The student energy behind this unit was truly amazing, students loved going to the computer or reading books about the states, I was glad to see my students understand and care for the world around them.


 * KSD**


 * 7.K.2 The teacher knows how to take contextual considerations (instructional materials; individual student interests, needs, and aptitudes; and community resources) into account when planning instruction that creates an effective bridge between curriculum goals and students’ experiences. **


 * When I first began planning this unit, I wanted students to share their knowledge and experiences about different states with the class to develop a higher interest in the unit and to build connections within the classroom and unit. Students loved seeing their peers present on their vacations, seeing what souvenirs they came back with, pictures to see what that state looks like and stories of their adventure. Students even began creating presentations with quizzes included to share with the class, it was amazing how I simply asked students to bring in a few photos, souvenirs, brochures, etc. and they took it to the next level and really became engaged in teaching one another.


 * 7.S.3 The teacher creates lessons and activities that operate at multiple levels to meet the development and individual needs of diverse learners and help each progress.**


 * While completing some of the interactive games online, I would select certain games for certain students based on their needs. I also would pair students up and complete different activities involving state location and memorizing the states and capitals. The pairs usually consisted of a more academically sound student and a student whom could use a little more support in their learning. There were even times where students would form small groups to practice states and capitals to assist one another in the learning process. On quizzes or written assignments, some students had information read to them and a limited amount of choices were presented to accommodate learning needs as well.


 * 7.D.2 The teacher believes that plans must always be open to adjustment and revision based** ** on student needs and changing circumstances. **


 * As I began teaching this unit, I only had books, magazines, and atlas/maps for the students to acquire information about each state. I quickly realized I was missing an important resource for information, the internet. I created a Thinglink that provided online resources for the students to use for information that was easy to use. Students liked having the option to select which method they wanted to find information. Each student selected their best method for learning which made this unit an enjoyable one for everyone.